Iona Leigh is an Australian born, Scotland based singer-songwriter who blends acoustic guitars, fiddle and pipe to create uplifting airy folk covering such lyrical topics as nature, legend and folklore.

The album opens with Peaches In The Summertime, a lovely track that introduces Iona's gorgeous breezy vocals over a subtle acoustic guitar backing, the track, following on from this slight yet attractive opening number we're taken on a ride of stripped guitars, restrained violin and tapped drums in the shape of The Girl He Left Behind. Once again Iona delivers a lovely whilst the light instrumentation provides the perfect setting for the track.

The rest of the album continues in much the same vein, Must I Be Bound adds pipes to the already potent mix further bewitching the listener, Blackbird is a beautiful combination of plucked guitar, piano and violin, whilst White Dove adds beautiful vocal harmonies to the longest and perhaps most evocative track on the album.

The album simply washes over the listener, lush vocals and understated instrumentation create unique imagery and as I sat here listening intently my mind created visions of the sea crashing upon the shore in the early hours of the morning, walking in a deep green forest taking in the surroundings and other such vivid pictures and dreams.

Beside The Waves Of Time is one of those albums you have to surrender your senses to completely, allowing Iona's voice to take you on a wonderous journey of discovery. Iona Leigh bewitches and intoxicates with her stunning take on folk.

Rating: 9

Thank you Rythm & Booze.